Assistant Manager - Marketing & Recruitment

About you?

What is your background?

Worked in marketing since 1997 after completing BA (Hons) Marketing. Have
worked in education since 2000 when I was employed by a FE College in the
marketing team. Moved onto working for a national charity that raised awareness
of learning and organised national annual campaigns. It was my job to manage
these. Finally, last year I came to work at Warwick.

What initially attracted you to your job?

The reputation of Warwick University
plus the mix of marketing and recruitment within the role. Also, managing a
team of 3 people as I wanted to expand my experience of people management.

Define your job?

Predominantly managing the office and team ensuring that the enquiries and
applications for MBA and MSc Management (MIM) programmes are dealt with
effectively. Ensuring good customer service is offered. I also co-ordinate
events for the MBA and support the Graduate Marketing & Recruitment
Manager.

Can you walk me through your day to day activities?

Answering email enquiries from prospective students including offering
advise on approaching employers for sponsorship; taking some telephone calls
regarding MBA and MIM. Making arrangements for events such as booking catering,
cleaning, contacting attendees, booking rooms, liaising with presenters and
requesting students and alumni volunteers.

How has your job changed in the last 5 to 10 years?

Have only been in this job 9 months.

What are the key issues facing your sector?

Changes in the numbers of applicants for each different mode of study. Some
year's Distance Learning is more popular and then sometimes it's full time.

Competitors changing their offering, and also the promotions that they give
such as scholarships, discounts and bursaries.

How does government legislation affect your job?

Only really employment laws.

What impact has technology had on your job?

We are currently developing the Customer Relationship Management system to
improve the process of dealing with enquiries - this will have a huge impact on
the job. The use of Email sometimes complicates the job meaning that there is
less time to do other tasks as we have to ensure we respond quickly to
enquirers.

What are the best things and worst things about your job?

Best - the variety and speaking to prospective students. Also, the support I
get from my manager who is brilliant.
Worst - relying on other people who don't always realise the importance of a
request. Also, sometimes office management can take over from the rest of my
job leaving me little time to develop my role and take part in marketing
projects.

Do you have any horror stories?

Not so far!

What attributes do you need/ what are you looking for when hiring someone
in your role?

What are your tips/ advice for those starting out?

Work hard and get involved in what's happening. I always tried to volunteer
to cover events. Also, you sometimes need to go out of your way to work around
other members of staff. Particularly in education when teachers/lecturers work
different hours and are really busy. If I wanted something from them I would
make sure that it was at a time that was suitable for them even if it meant
working late.